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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Eastern Visayas Tribute: Half-day tour in Ormoc City Part I.

It started to get all gloomy when we left Agta Beach Resort. But thanks to Melo's father (who was on his way to Tacloban Airport), we were able to hitch a free ride all the way to Lemon Junction. The skies were getting pretty dark while we were on the road. But it only started pouring when we got dropped off at the intersection. Talk about being lucky! Anyhow, Coreene and I had to wait for 10 more minutes before we finally got on a regular Ormoc-bound bus.

We were standing half of the time on the bus. But I had no complaints. I was thankful that we were able to meet our host a good hour later. We were actually glad when the rain stopped as we were nearing Ormoc's bus terminal.

AFTERNOON SNACKS IN ORMOC

Coreene and I didn't have a decent meal before leaving Biliran, so our friend Ephraim brought us to Martinelli Pizza, where we ordered a pan of delicious Tuna & Garlic Pizza. He also welcomed us with a box of delicious Cassava cakes.

DIY WALKING TOUR IN ORMOC

6 NEARBY SITES WORTH EXPLORING AT NIGHT

We wanted to explore the nearby sites that Ormoc had to offer. So after eating at Martinelli's, Ephraim brought us to our very first site: VETERAN'S PARK (also known as the Centennial Park). The famous picnic ground with the star monument, is located near Ormoc's sea wall. It was built in the early 1900s to commemorate the Filipino soldiers who fought for the freedom of Leyte and the Philippines.

The next on our list was the CENTENNIAL MARKER (a short walk from the Veteran's Park). It was put up in 1998 to pay tribute to the Philippines' 100th year of Independence.

One of the city's famous landmarks is the ORMOC CITY SUPERDOME (situated behind the Centennial Park). Before the exterior parts of this structure was destroyed by 'Yolanda', the superdome was equipped to hold at least 5,000 people. It used to be a venue for activities that involved sports (i.e. basketball, volleyball tournaments), conventions and concerts.

Not too far from the superdome and the old city hall is the renowned FUENTE DE LA REINA. It is known to be the oldest withstanding bridge in Ormoc City. You'll be amazed on how its cobblestones are still very much intact, despite the many years of wear and tear. Now, "The Bridge of the Queen" was constructed in the early 1800s (during the Spanish era), but was completed in 1861. It was used as a docking area for Chinese and Javanese merchants' who brought in barter goods via ships or sailboats.

We where eventually lead to where the OLD CITY HALL was, which was just a few walks from the bridge. It looked eerie and unkept that night we stopped over. But if there was anything interesting about the landmark, it would have to be the small monument of Jose Rizal that was hoisted up just in front of the hall.

Before heading out for dinner, we visited one last site: STS. PETER AND PAUL PARISH, which is just across the Old City Hall. It's where glass-stained images of saints can be seen around the Catholic church. The church, when we entered its vicinity had an expansive area. It also had a grotto of the Virgin Mary at the far end of the parish.

WHERE TO EAT WHEN IN ORMOC

If you're craving for something grilled, then you should definitely dine at the FOOD PARK (actual name of the open-air dining place). Ephraim brought us here for the variety of eats that were being sold and cooked. The market place/open eatery offered fresh meat, seafood and vegetables for grilling. It's also just a short walk from the superdome.